Camp Near Fredericsburg Va.

Feb. 1^st 1863.

                       

Dear Sister.

                                    Your letter arrived last night about ten oclock. I had been abed but my chimney having taken a notion to catch fire it found me up and dressed ready to read it. It was accompanied by another one from Anson. Ans. dont write so many letters now as he used to when he first commenced writing. there was one while that there would be a letter almost every time the mail come in from him. Well I suppose he got tired of writing or got out of the notion of it for some reason or other. I found a package of something in my letter last night supposed to be pepper as I have not opened it yet. 

 

The work of demoralization still continues in this regiment. Another commissioned officer has arrived from R.I. appointed by Gov Sprague. Col. Viall went home last Tuesday morning early.

 

There was quite a demonstration the night before in front of his tent. The band of the thirty sixth N.Y. regt. came over and played a number of airs among the rest they played Auld Lang Syne. that sounded quite solemcholicy. The Col. was very much affected. I noticed it all through the day, and in the evening he made a speech during which he cried like a child he alluded to the quarrel as he termed it that occurred between himself and Gov. Sprague and told us he hoped we would take no notice of it but continue to be as good soldiers under his successor as we had been under him. he said let the people of R.I. and its Gov. see that it / one regiment in the field that was worthy of the name of being R.I. men. Cheers were called for during his speech for the late Col. for Col. Goff and were given with a will. then three groans were called for Gov. Sprague and they were given with a will too. At sundown when we had our dress parade under the new Col. Viall came out to the edge of the woods to take a last look of the regiment in line with which he had been so long connected. He looked as though he felt bad enough and as he turned to go back we could see him take his handkerchief and put it up to his eyes. Col Viall was a good man I always liked him. he had some faults and so has every one, but I never thought he was capable of taking the command of a regiment. the one we have got now is less capable than Gof Viall. We never can have the confidence in him that we had in Wheaton. he would take us through fire and brimstone uninjured / Wheaton is now in temporary command of the Division while Newton is away Newton I understand is under arrest for uttering treasonable language. I heard him say myself one night when I was standing guard in front of his tent "that we never could conquer the rebels" his adjutant replied "then why not stop fighting at once" It seems Old Jo Hooker has got the command at last Well let us see what he will do, see if he can make out any better than Burnside.

 

I suppose you have seen in the papers that we, or rather the Left Grand Division was slightly demoralized have not you. it is understood to be so in this part of the country.

 

I guess it will not pay to send home any more stocking legs at that rate will it. you want to know how many pairs of stockings I have got on hand. Well I haint got any on hand. they are all on my feet. all I've got. My watch goes once in a while, then it dont go at all. I have almost a mind to send that home. I dont see how crystals get broke in battle much more than other times I never have broke mine yet. I shall not have room to answer your questions this time. the mail leaves in a few minutes so I will say good day

 

[front top margin upside down]

 

I understand furloughs are to given out before long I shall not take one.

 

I shall want another batch of postage stamps in your next. L.C.C.

SOURCES